A royal chauffeur has been suspended after he allegedly allowed undercover reporters into the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

The Queen has ordered an urgent security review following the news that Brian Sirjusinghh gave access to the palace in exchange for £1,000. It is reported he also gave the men a tour of her fleet of official cars used by the royal family during the visit, which took place of Friday.

Trinidad-born Mr Sirjusingh, 38, is also accused of photographing them in the back of a Bentley often used by the monarch, telling the Sunday newspaper reporters, "That's where she sits." It is also claimed he discussed security codes and the Queen's travel arrangements for the week.

"We are aware of the allegations. The member of staff concerned has been suspended while the matter is investigated," a spokesman for the palace has confirmed.

A representative for Scotland Yard has said of the incident, which took place while no royals were in residence, "We are naturally concerned about the issues raised by the story and are liaising with palace officials about their staff security arrangements."